How to Care for Brown Floratam Grass

Brown floratam is known for its flat wide blades, dark green color and lush density. Also referred to as St. Augustinegrass, brown floratam grows well in sub-tropical climates, such as those common in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Brown floratam demands a moderate level of care and maintenance, as it requires diligent watering, mowing to a certain height and regular fertilization. Primary prevention methods, such as monitoring for disease, pests and irregular growth, is the first step in caring for brown floratam.

1

Mow brown floratam grass to no less than 2 1/2 inches and no more than 4 inches when it turns green. Leave the clippings on the lawn unless they clump. Mow your lawn every five to seven days unless you are experiencing a drought.

2

Enrich the grass with one-half pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, three weeks after the grass develops its green color. However, you must first know the nitrogen content of the fertilizer to determine how much is needed. The nitrogen percentage is always the first number on the package label. For example, if your fertilizer label reads 20-4-8, it has 20 percent nitrogen content. Divide .5, which represents one-half pound, by .20, which represents 20 percent. The resulting .25 indicates you need one-quarter pound of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of grass.

3

Water your lawn to a depth of 4 to 6 inches early in the morning. Insert a 6-inch screwdriver or thin stake in the lawn to determine the depth of moistness. It takes 623 gallons of water to reach a depth of 1 inch per 1,000 square feet. Therefore, it takes 2,492 gallons to reach 4 inches and 3,738 gallons to reach six inches per 1,000 square feet. Water if your area experiences extended periods of windy dry weather or if you see dark-blue-tinted, wilted or curved leaves.

4

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide, such as one containing dithiopyr as its active ingredient, if your lawn has a history of crabgrass or goosegrass. Apply post-emergent herbicides to control broadleaf weeds, if they appear. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends broadleaf herbicides containing the active ingredient metsulfuron as a suitable choice.

5

Reduce watering and fertilization to a minimum if you notice circular spots of brown grass several feet wide. If you notice unnaturally yellow grass in a mosaic pattern or with a yellow mottle, take a sample to a lawn or garden professional for diagnosis.

6

Remove the top and bottom of a coffee can with a can opener, place it on the grass and fill with water if you observe yellow spotting or drought symptoms on your lawn; both are signs of a chinch-bug infestation. If you have chinch bugs, they will float on top of the water. Employ the services of a professional if you see 15 or more chinch bugs floating.

Things You Will Need

Fertilizer

6-inch screwdriver or thin stake

Pre-emergent herbicide

Broadleaf herbicide, if needed

Coffee can

Can opener

Tips

Follow all government-mandated watering restrictions as they are imposed during droughts.

About the Author

A.J. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." He lives in Europe where he bakes with wild yeast, milks goats for cheese and prepares for the Court of Master Sommeliers level II exam. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu.